JP6345702B2 - Method and apparatus for controlling lighting - Google Patents

Description

  [0001] The present invention is generally directed to lighting control. More specifically, the various inventive methods and apparatus disclosed herein control one or more characteristics of the light output based on one or more specified characteristics of the attached lighting control element. About that.

  [0002] Digital lighting technology, ie illumination based on semiconductor light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), provides a viable alternative to conventional fluorescent, HID and incandescent lamps. The functional benefits and benefits of LEDs include high energy conversion and optical efficiency, immunity, lower operating costs, and many others. Recent developments in LED technology have provided efficient and robust full-spectrum illumination sources that enable various lighting effects in many applications. Some of the appliances that embody these illumination sources are discussed in detail in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 6,016,038 and 6,211,626, incorporated herein by reference, One or more LEDs capable of generating various colors, such as red, green, and blue, to produce various colors and color changing lighting effects, and a processor for individually controlling the output of the LEDs And a lighting module including:

  [0003] In lighting systems, such as lighting systems that include LED-based light sources, it is desirable to be able to control one or more light sources of the lighting system. For example, it may be desirable to be able to control ON / OFF of one or more light sources of the lighting system and / or one or more lighting parameters of one or more light sources. More specifically, it may be desirable to be able to control the illumination scene, illumination direction, illumination color, illumination intensity, beam width, beam angle, and / or other parameters of one or more light sources.

  [0004] Direct specification in the configuration of one or more light sources allows selection of desired illumination parameters. However, such direct designation may be due to a lack of ability to fine-tune the applied lighting, lack of flexibility to accommodate newly introduced environmental objects and / or relocation of existing objects, and / or There may be one or more drawbacks, such as lack of adaptation and / or adjustment of illumination parameters for a particular object. A control switch connected to a commercial power source also allows control of one or more light sources. However, such a control switch may have one or more drawbacks, such as requiring connection to a commercial power source and limiting the installation location of the control switch. Smartphones and tablets also allow control of one or more light sources. However, such control may have one or more drawbacks, such as having to find a remote device to control the light source and / or interfering with other activities of the remote device. Additional and / or alternative shortcomings of direct designation, control switches, smartphones, and / or tablets may be presented.

  [0005] Accordingly, there is a need in the art to provide a method and apparatus that allows control of one or more characteristics of light output and optionally overcomes one or more disadvantages of existing user interfaces. .

  [0006] The present disclosure is directed to lighting control. More specifically, the various inventive methods and apparatus disclosed herein control one or more characteristics of light output based on one or more specified characteristics of an attached lighting control element. About that. For example, in some embodiments, the presence of a lighting control element on one or more LEDs is identified, and at least one lighting control characteristic of the lighting control element is identified. Based on the illumination control characteristic of the illumination control element, at least one characteristic of the light output of the controlled light source associated with the illumination control element is adjusted. The lighting control element can be a user interface element.

  [0007] In general, in one aspect, a method is provided for associating a user interface element with at least one light source, the method comprising: a user interface element over one or more covered LEDs of the plurality of LEDs. Identifying the presence; associating the user interface element with control of a controlled LED of the LEDs based on identifying the presence of the user interface element; identifying at least one illumination control characteristic of the user interface element; Identifying the user interaction with the user interface element, and adjusting at least one characteristic of the controlled LED in response to the user interaction with the user interface element, wherein adjusting the controlled LED comprises: Based lighting control characteristics of the user interface element.

  [0008] In some embodiments, identifying user interaction with a user interface element includes sensing user interaction with the user interface element by at least one of the covered LEDs.

  [0009] In some embodiments, identifying the user interaction with the user interface element includes receiving user interaction data from the user interface element in response to the user interaction with the user interface element.

  [0010] In some embodiments, identifying the lighting control characteristic of the user interface element is based on sensing at least one physical characteristic of the user interface element via at least one of the covered LEDs. . In some versions of these embodiments, the physical features include at least one of the size and shape of the user interface element.

  [0011] In some embodiments, associating the user interface element with control of the controlled LED is based on the proximity of the user interface element to the controlled LED.

  [0012] In some embodiments, associating the user interface element with control of the controlled LED is based on associating the covered LED with the controlled LED.

  [0013] In some embodiments, associating the user interface element with control of the controlled LED is based on at least one physical characteristic of the user interface element. In some versions of these embodiments, the at least one physical feature is an RF tag.

  [0014] In some embodiments, associating the user interface element with control of the controlled LED includes initiating a configuration phase, providing a visual indication of the controlled LED during the configuration phase, Responsive to a visual indication of the control LED, receiving a configuration approval indicating an association of the user interface element with control of the controlled LED during the configuration phase. In some versions of these embodiments, the configuration approval is received via a user interface element. Optionally, the visual indication of the controlled LED is preceded by at least one additional visual indication of the unique set of LEDs, and configuration approval via the user interface element during the visual indication of the unique set of LEDs Receiving associates the user interface element with control of a unique set of LEDs.

  [0015] In some embodiments, the method further includes illuminating the user interface element with at least one of the covered LEDs.

  [0016] In some embodiments, the user interface element can be mounted over a covered LED. In some versions of these embodiments, the user interface element can be adhesively mounted over the covered LED.

  [0017] In general, in another aspect, a method is provided for adjusting at least one light source in response to an attachable element, the method over one or more covered LEDs of a plurality of LEDs. Identifying the presence of the attachable element; associating the attachable element with a controlled LED of the LEDs based on identifying the presence of the attachable element; and identifying at least one illumination control characteristic of the attachable element. And adjusting at least one characteristic of the controlled LED based on at least one illumination control characteristic of the attachable element.

  [0018] In some embodiments, identifying the lighting control characteristic of the attachable element is based on sensing at least one physical characteristic of the attachable element by at least one of the covered LEDs. In some versions of these embodiments, the physical features include at least one of the size and shape of the attachable element.

  [0019] In some embodiments, associating the attachable element with the controlled LED is based on the proximity of the attachable element to the controlled LED.

  [0020] In some embodiments, associating the attachable element with control of the controlled LED is based on associating the covered LED with the controlled LED.

  [0021] In some embodiments, associating the attachable element with the controlled LED is based on at least one physical characteristic of the attachable element. In some versions of these embodiments, the at least one physical feature includes at least one of size and shape.

  [0022] In some embodiments, the controlled LED is substantially surrounded by the covered LED and / or produces a light output primarily directed to the attachable element.

  [0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes identifying user interaction with the attachable element, and adjusting the at least one characteristic of the controlled LED is in user interaction with the user interface element. It is a response.

  [0024] In general, in another aspect, a lighting device is provided that includes a memory and a controller operable to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are based on an instruction identifying the presence of a user interface element over one or more covered LEDs of the plurality of LEDs and identifying the presence of the user interface element. A command associated with control of the control LED; a command specifying at least one illumination control characteristic of the user interface element; a command specifying user interaction with the user interface element; and controlled according to user interaction with the user interface element Instructions for adjusting at least one characteristic of the LED, wherein adjusting the controlled LED includes instructions based on lighting control characteristics of the user interface element.

  [0025] In general, in another aspect, at least one light source that produces illumination having at least one adjustable illumination characteristic; and at least one sensing LED configured to sense the presence of a user interface element; And an illumination system including at least one controller in electrical communication with the light source and the sensing LED. At least one controller identifies the presence of the user interface element based on the input from the at least one sensing LED, associates the user interface element with the control of the light source based on the identification of the presence of the user interface element, and at least the user interface element One lighting control characteristic is identified, user interaction with the user interface element is identified, and at least one characteristic of the controlled LED is adjusted according to the user interaction with the user interface. The adjustment of the controlled LED is based on the lighting control characteristics of the user interface element.

  [0026] Another embodiment is a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for performing a method, such as one or more of the methods described herein, that is executable by a processor. May be included. Other embodiments include one or more of a memory and one or more operable to execute instructions for performing a method such as one or more of the methods described herein stored in the memory. And a system including a processor.

  [0027] As used herein for the purposes of this disclosure, the term "LED" refers to any electroluminescent diode, or radiation that can be generated in response to an electrical signal and / or a photodiode. It should be understood to include other types of carrier injection / junction-based systems that can operate. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductor-based structures that emit light in response to current, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent strips, and the like. In particular, the term LED refers to radiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, and various portions of the visible spectrum (usually including a radiation wavelength from about 400 nanometers to about 700 nanometers). Refers to all types of light emitting diodes (including semiconductors and organic light emitting diodes) that can generate. Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs (below) There are details). LEDs also have different bandwidths (eg, full widths at half maximum (FWHM)) for a given spectrum, and different dominant wavelengths within a given general color classification. It should be understood that the radiation can be configured and / or controlled to generate radiation (eg, narrow bandwidth, wide bandwidth).

  [0028] For example, one embodiment of an LED that produces essentially white light (eg, a white LED) each emits various spectra of electroluminescence that when combined are mixed to form essentially white light. Including a plurality of dies. In another embodiment, the white light LED is associated with a phosphor material that converts electroluminescence having a first spectrum into a different second spectrum. In one example of this embodiment, electroluminescence having a narrow bandwidth spectrum at a relatively short wavelength "pumps" the phosphor material so that the phosphor material emits a long wavelength radiation having a somewhat broad spectrum. Radiate.

  [0029] It should be understood that the term LED does not limit the physical and / or electrical package type of the LED. For example, as described above, an LED may refer to a single light emitting device having multiple dies that each emit different spectrum radiation (eg, individually controllable or uncontrollable). An LED may also be associated with a phosphor that is considered an integral part of the LED (eg, a type of white LED). In general, the term LED refers to packaged LED, non-packaged LED, surface mount LED, chip on board LED, T package mounted LED, radial package LED, power package LED, certain types of casings and / or optical elements (e.g. LED etc. including a diffusing lens.

  [0030] The term "light source" includes, but is not limited to, LED-based light sources (including one or more LEDs as defined above), incandescent light sources (eg, filament lamps, halogen lamps), fluorescent light sources, phosphorescence Luminescent light sources, high intensity discharge light sources (eg sodium vapor lamps, mercury vapor lamps and metal halide lamps), lasers, other types of electroluminescence sources, pyroluminescence sources (eg flames), candle luminescence sources (eg gas mantles) Light source, carbon arc radiation source), photoluminescence source (eg gaseous discharge light source), cathode luminescent source using electronic satiation, galvanoluminescence source, crystallo-luminescent Source, kine-luminescent source, thermoluminescence source, rubbing lumi It should be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety of radiation sources, including triboluminescent sources, sonoluminescent sources, radioluminescent sources, and luminescent polymers. It is.

  [0031] A given light source generates electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or a combination of both. Accordingly, the terms “light” and “radiation” are used interchangeably herein. In addition, the light source may include one or more filters (eg, color filters), lenses, or other optical components as an integral component. It should also be understood that the light source is configured for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, indication, display, and / or illumination. An “illumination source” is a light source that is specifically configured to generate radiation having sufficient intensity to effectively illuminate an interior or exterior space. In this context, “sufficient intensity” means ambient illumination (ie, indirectly perceived and reflected from one or more various intervening surfaces, for example, before being totally or partially perceived. The unit “lumen” is used to represent the total light output from the light source in all directions with respect to sufficient radiant intensity (radiant intensity or “flux”) in the visible spectrum generated in space or environment to provide Often used).

  [0032] The term "spectrum" should be understood to refer to any one or more frequencies (or wavelengths) of radiation generated by one or more light sources. Thus, the term “spectrum” refers not only to frequencies (or wavelengths) in the visible range, but also to frequencies (or wavelengths) in the infrared, ultraviolet, and other regions of the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Furthermore, a given spectrum can have a relatively narrow bandwidth (eg, FWHM that has essentially a small number of frequencies or wavelength components), or a relatively wide bandwidth (some frequencies with varying relative intensities). Or a wavelength component). It should also be understood that a given spectrum may be the result of mixing two or more other spectra (eg, mixing radiation emitted from multiple light sources, respectively).

  [0033] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "color" is used synonymously with the term "spectrum." However, the term “color” is usually used primarily to refer to the characteristic of radiation that is perceivable by the viewer (however, this use is intended to limit the scope of the term). Absent). Thus, the term “various colors” implicitly refers to multiple spectra having different wavelength components and / or bandwidths. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the term “color” may be used in the context of both white and non-white light.

  [0034] The term "light fixture" is used herein to refer to an embodiment or arrangement of one or more lighting units of a particular form factor, assembly, or package. The term “lighting unit” is used herein to refer to a device that includes one or more light sources of the same or different types. A given lighting unit may have any one of various light source mounting arrangements, housing / housing arrangements and shapes, and / or electrical and mechanical connection configurations. Further, a given lighting unit may optionally be associated (eg, included, coupled, and / or packaged together) with various other components (eg, control circuitry) related to the operation of the light source. ) An “LED-based lighting unit” refers to a lighting unit that includes one or more LED-based light sources as described above alone or in combination with other non-LED-based light sources. A “multi-channel” lighting unit refers to an LED-based or non-LED-based lighting unit that includes at least two light sources each generating a different emission spectrum, each different light source spectrum being a “ Called "channel".

  [0035] The term "controller" is used herein generally to represent various devices that are involved in the operation of one or more light sources. The controller may be implemented in a number of ways to perform the various functions discussed herein (eg, by dedicated hardware). A “processor” is an example of a controller that uses one or more microprocessors that can be programmed using software (eg, microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein. A controller may be implemented with or without a processor, and a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some function and a processor for performing other functions (eg, one or more programmed It can also be implemented as a circuit associated with a microprocessor). Examples of controller components that can be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and rewritable gate arrays (FPGAs). field-programmable gate array).

  [0036] In various implementations, the processor or controller may include one or more storage media (commonly referred to herein as "memory", eg, RAM, PROM, EPROM or EEPROM, floppy disk, compact disc, Volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, etc.). In some implementations, the storage medium is encoded by one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein. May be. To implement various aspects of the invention discussed herein, various storage media may be fixed within a processor or controller, or one or more programs stored on the storage media may be stored. It can be portable so that it can be loaded into a processor or controller. The term “program” or “computer program” is used herein to refer to any type of computer code (eg, software or microcode) that can be used to program one or more processors or controllers. Used in a general sense.

  [0037] The term "addressable" as used herein receives information (eg, data) addressed to a plurality of devices including itself and selectively responds to specific information intended for itself. Used to refer to devices (eg, general light sources, lighting units or fixtures, controllers or processors associated with one or more light sources or lighting units, other non-lighting devices, etc.). Is called. The term “addressable” is often used in reference to a networked environment where multiple devices are coupled together by some communication medium (or “network”, discussed further below).

  [0038] In some network implementations, one or more devices coupled to the network may act as a controller for one or more other devices coupled to the network (eg, a master / slave relationship). Can play). In another implementation, the networked environment may include one or more dedicated controllers configured to control one or more of the devices coupled to the network. In general, multiple devices coupled to a network can each access data residing on a communication medium, but selectively with the network, for example, based on one or more specific identifiers (eg, “addresses”) assigned. A given device may be “addressable” in that it is configured to exchange data (ie, send and receive data).

  [0039] As used herein, the term "network" refers to any two or more devices coupled to a network and / or between multiple devices (eg, device control, data storage, data exchange, etc. Refers to any interconnection of two or more devices (including controllers and processors) that help convey information. As will be readily appreciated, various network implementations suitable for interconnecting multiple devices can include any of a wide variety of network topologies, using any of a wide variety of communication protocols. Also good. Further, in various networks according to the present disclosure, any one connection between two devices may correspond to a dedicated connection or a non-dedicated connection between two systems. In addition to carrying information intended for two devices, such non-dedicated connections may also carry information that is not necessarily intended for either of the two devices (eg, open network connection). Further, it will be readily appreciated that the various networks of devices discussed herein may use one or more wireless, wired / cable, and / or fiber optic links that help convey information throughout the network. Like.

  [0040] As used herein, the term "user interface" refers to an interface between a human user or operator and one or more devices that enables communication between the user and the device. Point to. Examples of user interfaces that may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, switches, potentiometers, buttons, dials, sliders, mice, keyboards, keypads, various game controllers (eg, joysticks), tracks It may include balls, display screens, various graphical user interfaces (GUIs), touch screens, microphones, and other types of sensors that can receive some form of stimuli emitted by humans and generate signals accordingly.

  [0041] As used herein, the term "user interface element" is provided on one or more LEDs, for example to control other light sources and / or other systems or devices. Refers to available passive or active devices. Some embodiments of the user interface may be user interface elements.

  [0042] Any combination of the above concepts and further concepts discussed in more detail below (provided that such concepts are not in conflict with each other) are contemplated as part of the subject matter disclosed herein. It should be understood. In particular, any combination of the content of the claims appearing at the end of the disclosure is considered as part of the content of the invention disclosed herein. It is also understood that the terminology used explicitly in this specification that may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be given the meaning most appropriate for the particular concept disclosed herein. It should be.

  [0043] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and rather the emphasis is usually placed on illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an LED-based lighting system having a controller, LEDs, and user interface elements. [0045] FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an example method for associating a user interface element with one or more LEDs. [0046] FIG. 3 shows the surface of the LED and the user interface element attached to the surface of the LED. [0047] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of one of the user interface elements of FIG. 3 disassembled away from a portion of the LED surface of FIG. 3 and an example of the LED surface. [0048] FIG. 5 shows perspective views of two examples of user interface elements. [0049] FIG. 6 shows another example of a user interface element. [0050] FIG. 7 shows another example of a user interface element. [0051] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an example method for adjusting at least one light source as a function of an attachable element. [0052] FIG. 9 shows the surface of the LED and the attachable element attached to the surface of the LED.

  [0053] In an illumination system, such as an illumination system that includes an LED-based light source, it is desirable to be able to control one or more light sources of the illumination system. For example, it may be desirable to be able to control the illumination scene, illumination direction, illumination color, illumination intensity, beam width, beam angle, and / or other parameters of one or more light sources. A direct designation in the configuration of one or more light sources, a control switch connected to a commercial power source, and / or a smartphone and tablet may each allow selection of one or more lighting parameters. However, such direct designation may have one or more disadvantages, such as a lack of ability to fine tune the applied lighting, lack of flexibility, and / or lack of adaptation of lighting parameters. Also, the control switch can have one or more drawbacks, such as requiring connection to a commercial power source. A smartphone and / or tablet may also have one or more drawbacks, such as having to find a remote device to control the light source and / or interfering with other activities of the remote device.

  [0054] Accordingly, applicants need to provide a method and apparatus that allows control of one or more characteristics of light output and optionally overcomes one or more disadvantages of existing user interfaces. Recognized and understood that it exists in the field.

  [0055] More generally, Applicants have described various inventive methods and apparatus relating to controlling one or more characteristics of light output based on one or more specified characteristics of an attached lighting control element. Recognized and understood that it would be beneficial.

  [0056] In view of the above, various embodiments and implementations of the invention are directed to lighting control.

  [0057] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, representative embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that other embodiments in accordance with the present teachings that depart from the specific details disclosed herein are within the scope of the appended claims. Will. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known devices and methods may be omitted so as not to obscure the description of the representative embodiments. Such methods and apparatus are clearly within the scope of the claimed invention. For example, aspects of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein are described in the context of an illumination system that has only an LED-based light source. However, one or more aspects of the methods and apparatus described herein may be implemented in other lighting systems that additionally and / or alternatively include other light sources that are not LEDs. Implementation of one or more aspects described in this specification in a differently configured environment is contemplated without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed invention. Also, for example, aspects of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein are described in the context of a single controller and a single lighting unit. However, one or more aspects of the methods and apparatus described herein may be implemented in other lighting systems that may include multiple controllers and / or multiple lighting units. Also, for example, aspects of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein are described in connection with adjusting one or more characteristics of an LED in response to user interaction with a user interface element. However, one or more aspects of the methods and apparatus described herein are in accordance with the teachings of the present specification in that one of the other devices (eg, blinds, heaters, air conditioners) depending on user interaction with the user interface element. One or more characteristics may be implemented in a system that can additionally and / or alternatively be adjusted.

  [0058] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an LED-based lighting system 100. As shown in FIG. The lighting system 100 includes a controller 120 that controls a plurality of LEDs of at least one LED-based lighting unit 130. The LED-based lighting unit 130 includes one or more LEDs configured to generate a light output. Control of the LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130 is based at least in part on input from the user interface element 110. In some embodiments, user interaction with the user interface element 110 may be communicated to the controller 120 via the LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130. For example, as described herein, in some embodiments, the LEDs include one or more LEDs operable in a sensing mode, and these LEDs sense user interaction with the user interface element 110. Thus, the user interaction can be transmitted to the controller 120. In some embodiments, user interaction with the user interface element 110 may additionally and / or alternatively be communicated to the controller 120 by the user interface element 110 without using LEDs. For example, the user interface element 110 may communicate directly with the controller 120 using one or more wireless communication devices and methods.

  [0059] In some embodiments, the initial configuration of the user interface element 110 may be achieved by one or more readings from the LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130. For example, in some embodiments, the LEDs are used in detecting the presence of the user interface element 110, associating the user interface element 110 with the control of a particular LED, and / or identifying the lighting control characteristics of the user interface element 110. May be.

  [0060] The controller 120 controls the LED-based lighting unit 130 based on signals received from the user interface element 110. In some embodiments, the LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130 are driven by one or more drivers, and the controller 120 communicates with the one or more drivers to control the LEDs. In some embodiments, controller 120 may form part of a driver for LED-based lighting unit 130. In some embodiments, the controller 120 communicates with one or more local controllers of the LED-based lighting unit 130 to control the LEDs. For example, multiple local controllers may be provided that each control one or more LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130. In some embodiments, the controller 120 itself may include multiple local controllers, each controlling one or more LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130. The controller 120 may control a single LED group of the LED-based lighting unit 130, or may control a plurality of LED groups. Embodiments that include multiple controllers may optionally include wired and / or wireless communication between the multiple controllers.

  [0061] In some embodiments, the LED-based lighting unit 130 may include multiple LED groups, each including one or more LEDs. For example, in some embodiments, each LED group may include at least one LED surface (eg, a wall, ceiling, pillar, or other surface) and / or one or more portions of the LED surface. The surface of the LED may include a flat surface, a curved surface, a multi-surface, and / or other surfaces that include one or more LEDs. Some examples of the surface of the LED include a wall, a ceiling, a floor, and a pillar (eg, a cylinder, a square pillar, an elliptical pillar). One or more aspects of the control of each LED group may be specific to each LED group. The LED-based lighting unit 130 detects the presence of the user interface element 110, associates the user interface element 110 with the control of a particular LED, identifies the lighting control characteristics of the user interface element 110, and / or the user interface element 110. It may further include one or more sensors used to detect the user interaction. In some embodiments, the presence of the user interface element 110 is detected, the user interface element 110 is associated with control of a particular LED, the lighting control characteristics of the user interface element 110 are identified, and / or the user interface element 110 The one or more sensors used to detect the user interaction may include one or more LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130 that may be configured to sense light incident on it. In some embodiments, an LED configured to sense light may be further configured to generate a light output. For example, the LED may generate light output in a first mode and be sensitive to light when not in the first mode.

  [0062] Referring to FIG. 2, a flowchart of an example method for associating a user interface element with one or more LEDs is shown. Other implementations may perform the steps in a different order, omit certain steps, and / or perform different steps and / or additional steps than those shown in FIG. For convenience, the aspects of FIG. 2 will be described in connection with one or more components of a lighting system in which the method may be performed. The components may include, for example, one or more components of the lighting system 100 of FIG. 1 and / or one or more components of FIGS. Therefore, for convenience, the side surfaces of FIGS. 1 and 3-7 will be described in conjunction with FIG.

  [0063] In step 200, user interface elements coupled on the surface of the LED are identified. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the user interface element 110 may be coupled on one or more of the LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130 to identify the presence of the user interface element 110. Also, for example with reference to FIG. 3, user interface elements 310, 312A, 312B, and / or 312C may be coupled onto the surface 320 of the LED to identify their presence. In some embodiments, the user can attach the user interface element to any desired location on the surface of the LED. In some embodiments, the attachment location of one or more user interface elements may be indicated. In some embodiments, the user interface element may include an adhesive that allows the user interface element to adhere to the surface of the LED.

  [0064] In some embodiments, one or more of the LEDs on the surface of the LED may be used to identify a user interface element. For example, a light quantity value sensed by one or more sensing LEDs may indicate whether a user interface element is attached to the LED surface above such LEDs. In some embodiments, at least one light intensity value sensed by one or more LEDs to determine whether a user interface element is attached to the LED surface (e.g., empirical and / or It may be compared to at least one or more baseline light intensity values (measured in a calibration mode in which no user interface elements are present). For example, in some embodiments, at least one light intensity value sensed in one or more LEDs to which user interface elements are attached is one or more sensed in those LEDs before the user interface elements are attached. It may be compared with the light quantity value.

  [0065] For example, the LED is operated in a sensing mode prior to installation of the user interface element, and a first value of the LED is determined based on at least one first sensed light value prior to installation of the user interface element. May be. The first sensed light value may sense light from the other light source incident on the sensing mode LED toward the LED and / or light from natural light incident on the LED. Alternatively, the LED may be operated in a sensing mode after installation of the user interface element, and the second value of the LED may be determined based on at least one second sensed light value after installation of the user interface element. The second sensed light value may indicate less light because the user interface element blocks at least some of the light that would otherwise have been incident on the LED. The second value can be compared to the first value to determine whether a user interface element is mounted on the LED. For example, if the difference between the first value and the second value meets a threshold, it can be determined that a user interface element is attached over the LED.

  [0066] Also, for example with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, in determining the presence of a user interface element, the light generated by one or more LEDs on the surface 320 of the LED may be LED May be sensed by one or more other LEDs on the surface 320 of the surface. FIG. 3 shows user interface elements 310, 312A, 312B, and 312C coupled on the surface 320 of the LED. FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a part of FIG. 3 identified by reference numeral 4. In FIG. 4, the layers of the LED surface 320 are shown disassembled away from each other and the wall 5. User interface element 312C is also shown disassembled away from some of the example LED surface 320.

  [0067] The surface 320 of the LED includes a first LED layer 322, a diffusion layer 324, and a second LED layer 326. The surface 320 of the LED can be coupled to the wall 5 or other surface. For example, in some embodiments, the first LED layer 322 may be adhesively attached to the wall 5. In some other embodiments, the first LED layer 322 may be formed in conjunction with the wall 5. The first LED layer 322 includes a plurality of LEDs 323. In some embodiments, the spacing and / or power of the LEDs may be such that when there is a diffusing layer 324 over the first LED layer 322, a substantially uniform light emitting surface can be created. In some embodiments, the diffusion layer 324 may include a plastic having a microstructure that diffuses the light output generated by the LED 323. The diffusion layer 324 may include electrical connections and / or throughways that allow electrical connection of the second LED layer 326. The second LED layer 326 includes a plurality of LEDs 327. As shown, in some embodiments, the LED 327 may be less dense than the LED 323. In some embodiments, individual LEDs 327 may produce a larger lumen output than individual LEDs 323. In some embodiments, the LED 327 may include an optical element for producing a more directional light output than the LED 323.

  [0068] LEDs 323 and / or 327 may be used as sensing LEDs to identify the presence of a user interface element. For example, in some embodiments, one or more LEDs 323 may provide light output and the LED 327 may operate in a sensing mode to sense the light output received at the LED 327. The light output from the LED 323 received at an LED 327 may indicate that an object is present on the LED 327 and that some of the light output from the LED 323 is reflected and / or refracted toward the LED 327. For example, when the user interface element 312C is disposed on the LED 327, at least a part of the light output from the LED 323 incident on the user interface element 312C may be reflected toward the LED 327. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the user interface element 312C facing the surface of the LED may be reflective to help redirect light back toward the LED 327. In some embodiments, a light intensity value sensed at one or more LEDs 327 may be compared to a baseline light intensity value that represents an expected light intensity value when no object is on or near the corresponding LED 327. Good. In some embodiments, the light generated by the LED 323 may be coded light to distinguish such light from other light, such as ambient light.

  [0069] In some embodiments, identification of a user interface element may be initiated in response to a user instruction of the user interface element configuration. For example, a user action may trigger a user interface element configuration. For example, a button or other interface element that communicates with the controller 120 (eg, on a device that houses the controller 120, a mobile electronic device (eg, a smartphone, tablet) that communicates with the controller 120, or other buttons on the LED-based lighting unit 110) ) May trigger user interface element configuration.

  [0070] Also, for example, in some embodiments, to initiate user interface element configuration, near field communication (NFC), RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags, and / or other RF devices and / or Alternatively, the method may be implemented in a user interface element and / or used in combination with installation of a user interface element. For example, in some embodiments, one or more RFID readers may be incorporated within the LED-based lighting unit 130 and communicate with the controller 120. When an RFID tag indicating a user interface element (e.g., embedded in user interface element 110 and / or included in a mounting member comprising user interface element 110) is recognized, controller 120 may include one of LED-based lighting unit 130. One or more LEDs may be operated in a sensing mode to identify the presence of a user interface element mounted on such LEDs depending on the sensed value.

  [0071] In some embodiments, the LEDs on the surface of the LED intermittently operate in a light sensing mode (e.g., replacement with new user interface elements, or rearrangement and / or relocation of existing user interface elements). Installation of new user interface elements (for configuration) and / or removal of existing user interface elements may be monitored. For example, in some embodiments, one or more specific areas of the surface of the LED may be designated for attachment of a user interface element. One or more LEDs in such a region can be used to recognize the attachment and / or removal of the user interface element by sensing the light output at least intermittently and sending the sensed value to the controller. .

  [0072] In some embodiments, NFC, RFID tags, and / or other RF devices and / or methods may be implemented within a user interface element and / or used in combination with installation of a user interface element. Good. NFC, RFID tags, or other RF signals can be used to identify the presence of a user interface element on one or more covered LEDs. For example, in some embodiments, one or more RFID readers may be incorporated within the LED-based lighting unit 130 and communicate with the controller 120. Recognition of the RFID tag indicating a user interface element may be used by the controller 120 to determine that the user interface element is provided on one or more LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130.

  [0073] In some embodiments, one or more of the user interface element behind and / or around the user interface element to highlight the user interface element when the user interface element is attached to the LED surface The LED may be lit. For example, in some embodiments, the user interface element may be translucent and one or more LEDs behind the user interface element may be lit and the user interface element highlighted when the user interface element is installed. Also, for example, in some embodiments, one or more LEDs around the user interface element may be lit to highlight the user interface element.

  [0074] In step 205, the user interface element is associated with the controlled LED so that the user interface element can control the controlled LED. In some embodiments, the user interface element is associated with the controlled LED based on the mounting position of the user interface element. For example, referring to FIG. 1, when the user interface element 110 is attached at any position on the LED of the LED-based lighting unit 130, the user interface element 110 may be associated with the LED of the LED-based lighting unit 130. For example, the user interface element 110 may be associated with the control of all LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130. Also, for example, the user interface element 110 may be associated with control of all LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130 that are not covered by the user interface element 110. Also, for example, the user interface element 110 may be associated with control of a group of LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130 that is associated with the LED that the user interface element 110 is overlaid. For example, when the user interface element 110 is placed over a plurality of first LEDs, the user interface element 110 is associated with a first LED group, while the user interface element 110 is over a plurality of second LEDs. The user interface element 110 may be associated with the second LED group.

  [0075] In some embodiments, the controlled LED associated with the user interface element 110 may be determined based on the proximity of the controlled LED to the user interface element 110. For example, in some embodiments, the user interface element may be an annular user interface element, and the controlled LED associated with the user interface element is one or more LEDs determined to be located within the annular user interface element. It may be. Also, for example, in some embodiments, a controlled LED associated with a user interface element includes one or more LEDs that are covered by the user interface element, one or more LEDs that surround the user interface element, and / or a user interface. There may be one or more LEDs within a certain distance from the element. In some embodiments, in order to determine the LEDs associated with the user interface element 110 and allow the user interface element 110 to control those LEDs, the controller 120 is mounted with the user interface 110 on top. Reference may be made to a mapping between one or more LEDs and other LEDs of the LED-based lighting unit 130 (eg, stored in a memory associated with the controller 120). In some embodiments, the controlled LED may be on a different surface than the surface to which the user interface element is attached. For example, in some embodiments, the user interface element is mounted on the LED surface on the first side of the wall and associated with an LED on the second side of the wall (eg, an LED on the opposite side of the user interface element). May be. Also, for example, in some embodiments, the user interface element may be mounted on the LED surface of the pillar and associated with an LED in the ceiling (eg, a wall near the pillar).

  [0076] In some embodiments, the user interface element is controlled based on placing the user interface element in the vicinity of the controlled LED before and / or after placement of the user interface element at a desired installation location. Associated with LED. For example, as described herein, in some implementations, user interface element configuration may be initiated (eg, in response to user action and / or recognition of an RF signal from the user interface element). During the user interface element configuration, the user can place the user interface element in the vicinity of the desired controlled LED. When a user interface element is placed in the vicinity of a desired controlled LED, it can be indicated that the user wishes to control such LED by the user interface element.

  [0077] In some embodiments, the user interface element can interface with one or more corresponding RF devices associated with the controlled LED to indicate that the user desires to control such LED. NFC, RFID tags, and / or other RF devices may be included. For example, the LED-based lighting unit 130 may include a plurality of RFID readers, each corresponding to an LED group of the LED-based lighting unit 130, each communicating with the controller 120. After starting the user interface element configuration, the user places the user interface element 110 in the vicinity of the LED group that is desired to be controlled, the RFID tag of the user interface element 110 is read by one of the RFID readers, and the RFID tag is read. An indication of being done can be provided to the controller 120. In response, the controller 120 can associate the LED associated with the RFID reader with the user interface element 110.

  [0078] In some embodiments, during the user interface element configuration, the user interface element is disposed on the controlled LED, and one or more of the controlled LEDs operate in a sensing mode and the presence of the user interface element May be specified. For example, after starting the user interface element configuration, the user places the user interface element 110 in the vicinity of the LED group that is desired to be controlled, and one or more of the LEDs operate in the sensing mode to indicate the presence of the user interface element 110 In particular, an indication of the presence of the user interface element 110 may be provided to the controller 120. In response, the controller 120 can associate the LED group with the user interface element 110 in order for the user interface element 110 to control the LED group. Thereafter, the user interface element 110 may optionally be mounted at another location for user interaction to control the LED.

  [0079] In some embodiments, electronic devices such as smartphones and / or tablets may be used to associate user interface elements with controlled LEDs. For example, as described herein, in some implementations, user interface element configuration may be initiated (eg, in response to user action and / or RF signal recognition). During user interface element configuration, the user can use the electronic device to identify which of the plurality of LEDs is controlled by the user interface element. For example, after installation of the user interface element 110, the controller 120 may communicate with the mobile electronic device to associate the user interface element 110 with a group of LEDs. The mobile electronic device may select and / or create an LED group from a predetermined group. In some embodiments, LED groups may be lit to indicate to the user the options of controlled LEDs. For example, when a user interface element is attached, the LED groups are lit sequentially, and the user can select one of the LED groups via the electronic device while the desired LED group is lit.

  [0080] In some embodiments, a user interface element may be associated with one or more LEDs via an association with one or more optical elements associated with one or more controlled LEDs. Good. For example, in some embodiments, an attachable optical element may be mounted over one or more LEDs, and the optical element may be associated with one or more LEDs based on the LED mounted thereon. For example, in some embodiments, the optical element may be annular and mounted on multiple LEDs. The optical element may be associated with an LED located inside the annular optical element. In some embodiments, association with an LED located within an annular optical element is the sensing of the optical element by one or more LEDs with the optical element disposed thereon, and such one or more LEDs Based on the association of the internal LED with the optical element. In FIG. 9, an example of such an attachable optical element is illustrated by an attachable element 915.

  [0081] Also, for example, in some embodiments, an optical element may be mounted over one or more LEDs, and the optical element may be associated with one or more LEDs mounted thereon. For example, the optical element may be a directional optical element that redirects light output from an LED covered with the optical element in one or more directions. In some embodiments, the association of the LED with the optical element may be based on sensing of the optical element by one or more LEDs with the optical element disposed thereon while the LED is in a sensing mode.

  [0082] In some embodiments, associating one or more optical elements with a UI element may be based on a correlation between the identifier of the user interface element and the identifier of the one or more optical elements. The identification of the identifier of the user interface element and / or one or more optical elements may be performed by one or more devices such as one or more devices and / or methods described herein in connection with the user interface element or May be based on method. For example, in some embodiments, RFID, NFC, shape, and / or other readings can be used to identify an identifier for a user interface element and / or one or more optical elements. In some embodiments, the association of the optical element with the user interface element may be based on the proximity of the time at which they are attached and / or the proximity of the position at which they are attached. For example, the user interface element may be associated with one or more of the closest optical elements in position. Also, for example, a user interface element may be associated with one or more of the optical elements that are mounted closest in time before and / or after the user interface element.

  [0083] Also, for example, a configuration phase may be used where a portion of the LED surface associated with the optical element flashes for a period of time (eg, 1 minute) when the optical element is placed on the LED surface. During this time, the optical element may be associated with the user interface element. This can be accomplished, for example, by attaching a user interface element or by user interaction with an already installed user interface element (eg, activating the “light source ON” state of the user interface element). When the optical element and the user interface element are associated, the LED associated with the optical element may flash multiple times to indicate to the user that the optical element and the associated LED are associated with the user interface element.

  [0084] At step 210, at least one illumination control characteristic of the user interface element is identified. The lighting control characteristic may be based on one or more characteristics that can be identified from the user interface element. In some embodiments, the lighting control characteristics of the user interface element may be the same regardless of the installation location and / or the controlled LED associated with the user interface element. In some embodiments, the lighting control characteristics of the user interface element include, for example, the installation position, the controlled LED associated with the user interface element, the position of other user interface element (s) and / or the lighting control characteristic. Etc., may be based at least in part on one or more installation items. In some embodiments, the lighting control characteristics of the user interface element may be based on user input. In some embodiments, the controller may verify that the illumination control characteristic intended for adjustment by the user interface element can be performed by the controlled light source.

  [0085] In some embodiments, the lighting control characteristics are specified based on the LED that the user interface element is covered with. For example, the shape and / or size of the user interface element may be determined based on which of the plurality of LEDs senses the presence of the user interface element. The shape and / or size may exhibit specific lighting control characteristics. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the shape and / or size of the user interface elements 310 and 312A-C is determined based on which of the LEDs on the LED surface 320 sensed the user interface element thereon, The shape and / or size may indicate the lighting control characteristics of the user interface element. For example, the shape and size of the user interface element 310 may indicate that the user interface element 310 is an “ON / OFF” switch that turns one or more light sources on or off when activated. Also, for example, the shape and size of the user interface elements 312A-C may indicate that they are “light level” switches that each adjust one or more light sources to a given light level when activated.

  [0086] Also, for example, referring to FIG. 5, the shape and / or size of the user interface element 510 is “ON / OFF” that causes the user interface element 510 to turn on or off one or more light sources when activated. Can indicate a switch. The user interface element 510 also includes an annular indentation in the surface that can provide a visual and / or tactile indication of the function of the user interface element 510. Also, for example, the shape and / or size of the user interface element 512 may be such that the user interface element 512 adjusts the brightness, color, and / or other characteristics of one or more light sources in response to a sliding motion along the length direction. It may indicate that it is a “slider”. User interface element 512 further includes a linear indentation in the surface that can provide a visual and / or tactile indication of the function of user interface element 512.

  [0087] In some embodiments, lighting control characteristics are identified based on which other user interface is provided and / or the position of the other user interface. For example, the shape and size of the user interface elements 312A-C may indicate that they are “light level” switches that each adjust one or more LEDs to a given light level when activated. The identification of the presence of three separate user interface elements 312A-C is that each interface element 312A-C provides a different light level in operation, and three different light levels (eg, low, medium, high) are provided. Can indicate what to do. Also, for example, the position of the interface elements 312A-C relative to each other and / or the user interface element 310 should provide the lowest light level at which the user interface element 312A operates, while the user interface element 312B operates at an intermediate level. A light level should be provided, which may indicate that operation of the user interface element 312C should provide the highest light level.

  [0088] In some embodiments, when the user interface element is a passive user interface element, the shape, size, and / or placement of the user interface element may be used to identify the lighting control characteristics of the user interface element. . Passive user interface elements are user interface elements that do not require power and do not have self-contained sensing capabilities.

  [0089] In some embodiments, the lighting control characteristic is identified based on one or more characteristics that can be identified via the RF device of the user interface element. For example, the user interface element can be interfaced with one or more corresponding RF devices associated with the controlled LED to provide an indication of one or more lighting control characteristics of the user interface element, an NFC, RFID tag And / or other RF devices. For example, the RF device may provide readable code that may be associated with a corresponding user interface function that allows control of one or more lighting characteristics. For example, the LED-based lighting unit 130 may include a plurality of RFID readers, each corresponding to an LED group of the LED-based lighting unit 130, each communicating with the controller 120. After initiation of the user interface element configuration, the RFID tag of the user interface element 110 may be read by one of the RFID readers and an indication of the function of the user interface element may be provided to the controller 120 based on the RFID tag. In response, the controller 120 can associate the user interface element 110 with one or more indicated lighting control characteristics.

[0090] Also referring to FIG. 6, for example, the user interface element 610 includes:
Activation of the user interface element in the dynamic region 611 causes one or more light sources to operate in a dynamic state when activated, and activation of the user interface element in the warm region 612 generates a light output with a warm color temperature when activated. Operating the one or more light sources and activation of the user interface element in the cold region 613 may include an RFID tag that indicates operating the one or more light sources to produce a light output with a cool color temperature when activated. Good. The required light source settings may be based on information provided by the user interface element and / or based on the light source capability of the corresponding controlled light source.

  [0091] In some embodiments, electronic devices such as smartphones and / or tablets may be used to provide an indication of one or more lighting control characteristics of a user interface element. For example, as described herein, in some implementations, user interface element configuration may be initiated (eg, in response to user action and / or RF signal recognition). During user interface element configuration, the user can use the electronic device to identify one or more control characteristics of the user interface element.

  [0092] For example, referring to FIG. 7, a controller may communicate with a mobile electronic device to identify lighting control characteristics of a user interface element 710. The mobile electronic device may select a lighting control characteristic from among predetermined lighting control characteristics and / or specify a lighting control characteristic. For example, in some embodiments, the user interface element 710 may include a plurality of predetermined lighting controls that are presented to the mobile electronic device (eg, via the mobile electronic device camera and / or NFC of the mobile electronic device) and the user. It can be specified using properties. The lighting control characteristics may be based on the identification of the user interface element 710 and / or the ability of the controlled LED to be controlled by the user interface element 710.

  [0093] For example, the first predetermined lighting control characteristic of the user interface element 710 indicates that operation of the user interface element 710 in the central region 711 turns one or more light sources on or off during operation, Activation of user interface element 710 in region 712 may indicate that the color temperature provides an adjustment of the color temperature corresponding to the activation position. Also, for example, the second predetermined lighting control characteristic of the user interface element 710 indicates that operation of the user interface element 710 in the central region 711 turns one or more light sources on or off during operation, Activation of the user interface element 710 at 712 may indicate that the light output intensity provides an adjustment of the light output intensity corresponding to the operating position. Additional and / or alternative lighting control configurations may be defined. For example, adjustment of one or more lighting control characteristics may be based on a slide actuation around the annular region 712.

  [0094] In step 215, user interaction with a user interface element is identified. In some embodiments, user interaction with a user interface element may be based on sensing of user interaction via one or more of the LEDs on which the user interface element is disposed. For example, referring to FIG. 4, user interface element 312C may be translucent and / or transparent and one or more LEDs 327 may be in a sensing mode. User interaction with the user interface element 312C changes the light intensity value sensed by the one or more LEDs 327 by more than a threshold, and this change in the light intensity value sensed by the one or more LEDs 327 is caused by the controller. Can be specified as user actuated. In some embodiments, if the user interface element is a passive user interface element, user interaction with the user interface element may be based on sensing of user interaction via one or more LEDs.

  [0095] For example, in some embodiments, one or more LEDs 323 may provide light output, and the LED 327 may operate in a sensing mode to sense the light output received at the LED 327. When the user's finger is placed above or on the LED 327, at least a portion of the light output from the LED 323 that impinges on the user's finger may be reflected toward the LED 327. In some embodiments, a light amount value sensed by one or more LEDs 327 may be compared to a light amount value that represents the light amount value when the user's finger is not positioned on the user interface element 312C. In some embodiments, the light generated by LED 323 may be coded light to distinguish it from other light, such as ambient light.

  [0096] Also, for example, in some embodiments, one or more LEDs 327 may sense the shielding of ambient light and / or other light that passes through user interface element 327 and is incident on LED 327. The shielding may be due to user interaction with the user interface element. In order to identify user interaction, such sensed occlusion data may be compared to a light value representing a light value when the user's finger is not placed on the user interface element 312C. In some embodiments, the light value representing the light value when the user's finger is not placed on the user interface element 312C may be taken into account for changing ambient light and / or other light light values. It may be one or more sensed values that are close in time to user interaction.

  [0097] In some embodiments, the user interaction sensed by the LED may be a touch of a user interface element. In some embodiments, user interaction other than a simple touch of the user interface element may be identified by the sensing LED. For example, the duration of the touch may be specified based on the time length of the change in the light amount value sensed by one or more sensing LEDs. The duration of the touch can be used to adjust one or more lighting characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, a touch that exceeds a certain duration diminishes one or more controlled light sources, the degree of dimming being dependent on the duration of the touch. Further, for example, the direction of touch may be specified based on a comparison of light amount values detected by a plurality of sensing LEDs. For example, a user interface element 512 can be mounted on a plurality of LEDs to control the dimming light output characteristics of one or more light sources. The user may slide his finger “up” the user interface element 512 to increase the light output and “down” the user interface element 512 to decrease the light output. The amount of light sensed over time by the LEDs along the length direction of the user interface element may be analyzed to determine the sliding direction of the user's finger.

  [0098] In some embodiments, user interaction may be sensed by a user interface element and provided to the controller by the user interface element. For example, in some embodiments, user interaction is sensed by the user interface, and the user interaction indication is communicated to the controller by the user interface element using RF. For example, the user interface element may provide readable code that may be associated with a corresponding user interaction.

  [0099] In some embodiments, some interaction with the user interface element is sensed by the user interface element and provided to the controller by the user interface element, and other interaction with the user interface element is covered by the user interface element. May be sensed by the illuminated LED. For example, user interaction with the central area 711 of the user interface element 710 is sensed by one or more LEDs behind the central area 711, and user interaction with the user interface element 710 in the annular area 712 is sensed by the user interface element 710. May be.

  [00100] User interface elements may be coupled to the power source to allow identification of user interactions and / or transmission of user interaction indicators or other data to the controller. For example, in some embodiments, the user interface element may be coupled to a battery. Also, for example, in some embodiments, the user interface element may include a light harvesting panel that captures light available to power the user interface element. For example, in some embodiments, the light collection panel may face one or more LEDs that are covered by the user interface element and the LEDs may be driven at least intermittently to power the user interface element. For example, user interface element 312C may include a light collection panel on the back surface that captures light from one or more LEDs (eg, LEDs 323 and / or 327) that generate light output behind user interface element 312C.

  [00101] Also, for example, in some embodiments, the user interface element may be inductively powered. For example, a small coil may be embedded in the LED surface on which the user interface element is mounted and used to inductively power the user interface element. Also, for example, in some embodiments, the user interface element may be capacitively powered. For example, an electromagnetic field may be used to power the user interface element, such as an electromagnetic field used for communication between the controller and the user interface element. If the user interface element requires power, additional and / or alternative devices and methods can be used to power the user interface element. In some embodiments, these devices and / or methods may allow user interface elements to be powered regardless of whether a connection to a commercial power source is required.

  [00102] In step 220, at least one characteristic of the controlled LED is adjusted in response to user interaction with the user interface element identified in step 215. For example, the controlled LED controlled by the user interface element may be switched ON or OFF in accordance with user interaction with the user interface element having ON / OFF illumination control characteristics. Further, for example, the color temperature of the controlled LED controlled by the user interface element may be adjusted in accordance with the user interaction with the side surface of the user interface element that adjusts the color temperature. One or more controllers and / or drivers communicating with the controlled LED may perform adjustment of the controlled LED in response to user interaction with the user interface element.

  [00103] In some embodiments, the user interface element may additionally and / or alternatively control other systems and / or devices that communicate with the LED network. For example, the controller 120 may communicate with additional devices and send one or more control signals to the device and / or other controllers that control such additional devices. In some embodiments, the additional device and / or control system may communicate via a standardized protocol such as KNX. Additional devices that can be controlled include, for example, adjustable blinds or other awnings to provide ambient light incidence from adjustable windows, heating or cooling systems, alarm systems, and / or television and audio equipment, etc. Including media systems.

  [00104] In embodiments where user interface elements are additionally or alternatively used to control different systems and / or devices, step 205 includes associating user interface elements with such systems or devices, 210 may include identifying at least one system or device control characteristic of the user interface element. In some embodiments, as a result of user interaction with the user interface element, a controller associated with the LED surface sends a user command to such a system or device. In some embodiments, the user interface element communicates wirelessly with a dedicated system, but the LED surface may be used for powering the user interface element and / or highlighting the user interface.

  [00105] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an example method for adjusting at least one light source as a function of an attachable element. Other implementations may perform the steps in a different order, omit certain steps, and / or perform different steps and / or additional steps than those shown in FIG. For convenience, the aspects of FIG. 8 will be described in connection with one or more components of a lighting system capable of performing the method. The component may include, for example, one or more of the components of FIG. Therefore, for convenience, the side of FIG. 9 will be described in conjunction with FIG.

  [00106] Generally speaking, an attachable element is a specific type of optical element in which the attachment position of the element and at least one characteristic are utilized to allow a specific light effect with respect to the attachment position. When such an attachable element is detected through the surface of the LED, a specific light effect is possible. In some embodiments, once attached, further user interaction with the attachable element may not change the specific light effect. In some embodiments, removal of the attachable element and repositioning to another location may change certain light effects.

  [00107] At step 800, an attachable element coupled on the surface of the LED is identified. The identification of attachable elements on the surface of the LED may share one or more features with step 200 of the method of FIG. For example, referring to FIG. 9, an attachable element 915 may be coupled over one or more LEDs on the LED surface 920 to determine its presence. Also, for example, an attachable element 917 may be coupled over one or more LEDs on the LED surface 920 to determine its presence. In some embodiments, the attachment location of the attachable element may be indicated. In some embodiments, the attachable element may include an adhesive that allows attachment to the LED surface.

  [00108] In some embodiments, one or more LEDs on the LED surface may be used to identify an attachable element. For example, the light intensity value sensed by one or more sensing LEDs may indicate whether an attachable element is attached to the LED surface on such LED. In some embodiments, at least one light intensity value sensed by one or more LEDs is determined by at least one threshold light intensity value (e.g., to determine whether an attachable element is attached to the LED surface). Empirical and / or measured in a calibration mode in which no user interface elements are present).

  [00109] In some embodiments, identification of the attachable element may be initiated in response to a user instruction of the attachable element configuration. For example, a user action may trigger an attachable element configuration. For example, activation of a button or other interface element that communicates with the controller of LED surface 920 may trigger an attachable element configuration according to attachable elements 915 and / or 917.

  [00110] In some embodiments, near field communication (NFC), radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, and / or other RF devices and / or methods are implemented in the attachable element and / or It may be used in combination with the installation of attachable elements. RFID tag recognition may initiate an attachable element configuration.

  [00111] In step 805, in response to attachment of the attachable element, the attachable element is associated with one or more controlled LEDs for control of the controlled LED. The association of the attachable element with one or more controlled LEDs may share one or more features with step 205 of the method of FIG. In some embodiments, the attachable element is associated with the controlled LED based on the attachment position of the attachable element. For example, referring to FIG. 9, when attachable element 915 is attached in the position shown, LED 930 of LED surface 920 located within attachable element 915 is associated with attachable element 915. Also, for example, referring to FIG. 9, when the attachable element 917 is attached to the position shown, the LED located on another LED surface (eg, ceiling or other wall) and directed to the attachable element 917 Associated with the attachable element 917. Also, for example, when an attachable element is attached to the first side of the LED surface, an LED located on the other side of the LED surface (eg, an LED opposite the attachable element) can be associated with the attachable element. In some embodiments, the controller maps between one or more LEDs with the attachable element mounted thereon and other LEDs to determine which LEDs are associated with the attachable element ( For example, reference may be made to (save in memory associated with controller).

  [00112] In some embodiments, the association of the attachable element with the controlled LED may depend on the lighting control characteristics identified in step 810. For example, the specified lighting control characteristic for attachable element 915 can be to light all LEDs located inside attachable element 915. Based on this illumination control characteristic, the controlled LED can be specified by determining the LED located inside the attachable element 915. For example, controlled LEDs are identified based on identifying LEDs that sense the attachable element 915 and identifying LEDs located within them as controlled LEDs (eg, by referring to LED mapping). obtain.

  [00113] In some embodiments, the attachable element can interface with one or more corresponding RF devices associated with the controlled LED to indicate that the user desires to control such LED. NFC, RFID tags, and / or other RF devices may be included. For example, the LED surface 920 and / or other adjacent LEDs may include a plurality of RFID readers, each corresponding to a group of LEDs in the LED surface 920, each communicating with a controller. After the start of the attachable element configuration, the user places the attachable element in the vicinity of the LED group for which control is desired, the attachable element RFID tag is read by one of the RFID readers, and the RFID tag is read. An indication of this can be provided to the controller. In response, the controller can associate the LED associated with the RFID reader with the attachable element.

  [00114] In some embodiments, electronic devices such as smartphones and / or tablets may be used to associate attachable elements with controlled LEDs. For example, as described herein, in some implementations, an attachable element configuration may be initiated (eg, in response to user action and / or RF signal recognition). During the attachable element configuration, the user can use the electronic device to identify the LEDs that are controlled in response to the attachable element attachment. For example, after attachment of the attachable element 917, the controller may communicate with the mobile electronic device to associate one or more LEDs having light outputs that can be directed at the attachable element 917 with the attachable element 917.

  [00115] At step 810, at least one illumination control characteristic of the attachable element is identified. The identification of the lighting control characteristics of the attachable element may share one or more features with step 210 of the method of FIG. The lighting control characteristic may be based on one or more characteristics that can be identified from the attachable element. In some embodiments, the lighting control characteristics of the attachable element may be the same regardless of the installation location and / or the controlled LED associated with the attachable element. In some embodiments, the lighting control characteristic of the attachable element is one of, for example, an installation position, a controlled LED associated with the attachable element, and / or a position and / or lighting control characteristic of another attachable element. It can be based at least in part on the above installation matters. In some embodiments, the lighting control characteristics of the attachable element may be based on user input.

  [00116] In some embodiments, the lighting control characteristics are specified based on the LED over which the attachable element is covered. For example, the shape and / or size of the attachable element may be determined based on which of the plurality of LEDs has sensed the presence of the user interface element. The shape and / or size may exhibit specific lighting control characteristics. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the annular shape and / or size of the attachable element 915 is determined based on which of the LEDs on the LED surface 920 sensed the attachable element 915 thereon, and the shape And / or size may indicate the lighting control characteristics of the attachable element 915. For example, the shape and size of the user-attachable element 915 may indicate that any light source located therein should be lit when installed. Also, for example with reference to FIG. 9, the circular shape and / or size of the attachable element 917 is determined based on which of the LEDs on the LED surface 920 sensed the attachable element 917 thereon, The shape and / or size may indicate the lighting control characteristics of the attachable element 917. For example, the shape and size of the user-attachable element 917 may indicate that any light source that has a light output directed to the attachable element 917 should be lit during installation.

  [00117] In some embodiments, lighting control characteristics are identified based on one or more characteristics that can be identified via the RF device of the attachable element. For example, the attachable element is an NFC, RFID tag that can interface with one or more corresponding RF devices associated with the controlled LED to provide an indication of one or more lighting control characteristics of the attachable element And / or other RF devices. In some embodiments, electronic devices such as smartphones and / or tablets may be utilized to provide an indication of one or more lighting control characteristics of the attachable element. For example, as described herein, in some implementations, an attachable element configuration may be initiated (eg, in response to user action and / or RF signal recognition). During the attachable element configuration, the user may use the electronic device to identify one or more control characteristics of the attachable element.

  [00118] In step 815, at least one characteristic of the controlled LED is adjusted based on the illumination control characteristic of the attachable element. At least one characteristic of the controlled LED may be adjusted depending on the attachment of the attachable element. For example, the LED 930 inside the attachable element 915 may be turned on according to the attachment of the attachable element 915. Also, for example, depending on the attachment of the attachable element 917, one or more light sources directed to the attachable element 917, such as LEDs on other LED surfaces, may be turned on and directed to the attachable element 917. . In some embodiments, the adjustment of the controlled LED may be released upon removal of the corresponding attachable element 915 and / or 917. In some embodiments, the adjustment of the controlled LED may be maintained after removal of the attachable elements 915 and / or 917. For example, the LED 930 inside the attachable element 915 may remain lit after the attachable element 915 is removed. In some of these embodiments, adjustments may be eliminated, for example, when repositioning the attachable element 915 at another location or reconfiguring the LED surface 920. One or more controllers and / or drivers communicating with the controlled LED may perform adjustment of the controlled LED.

  [00119] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described and described herein, results and / or advantages for performing the functions described herein and / or described herein. A wide variety of other means and / or structures for obtaining one or more of these will readily occur to those skilled in the art, and each such variation and / or modification is an embodiment of the invention described herein. Is considered to fall within the scope of More generally, those skilled in the art intend all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein to be illustrative, and that actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations are within the scope of the present invention. It will be readily understood that the teachings of 依 depend on the specific application used. Those skilled in the art will understand or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments have been presented by way of example only and, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, embodiments of the invention have been described and claimed. It should be understood that the method may be implemented. Embodiments of the present disclosure that are directed to the individual features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods described herein. Further, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is disclosed in the present disclosure, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods do not conflict with each other. It is included in the scope of the invention.

  [00120] All definitions defined and used herein are understood to supersede dictionary definitions, definitions in the literature incorporated by reference, and / or the ordinary meaning of the defined terms. Should be.

  [00121] As used herein and in the claims, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" should be understood to mean "at least one" unless specifically stated otherwise.

  [00122] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase "and / or" is present as "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, ie, in some cases conjointly. , And should be understood to mean elements that otherwise exist separately. Multiple elements listed using “and / or” should be construed in the same manner, ie, “one or more” of the elements so coupled. Elements other than those specifically specified by the “and / or” section may optionally be included, whether related to the elements specifically specified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B” when used in combination with an unrestricted language such as “includes” in one embodiment refers only to A (elements other than B In other embodiments, only B (optionally including elements other than A), and in yet another embodiment both A and B (optionally including other elements) Including).

  [00123] In this specification and the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating the listed items, “or” or “and / or” should be construed as inclusive, ie, at least one and more than one or more of the listed elements, As well as optionally including additional non-enumerated items. Only explicitly contradictory terms such as “only one” or “only one” or “consisting of” as used in the claims are only one of the elements listed Means that the element is included. In general, as used herein, the term “or” is “either”, “one of”, “only one of”, or “just one of”. It should be understood that it refers to an exclusive option only (ie, “one or not both”) with an exclusive term such as “one”. As used in the claims, “consisting essentially of” will have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

  [00124] In this specification and in the claims, the phrase "at least one" associated with an enumeration of one or more elements is at least one selected from any one or more elements within the enumeration of elements. It should be understood to mean elements and does not necessarily include at least one of all elements specifically listed within the element list and does not exclude any combination of elements within the element list. This definition also allows for any element other than the elements specifically identified in the list of elements to be pointed to by the phrase “at least one” and relates to the elements specifically identified. Or irrelevant. Thus, as a non-limiting example, in one embodiment, “at least one of A and B” (or equivalently, “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of A and / or B”). ) Refers to at least one, optionally two or more A (optionally including elements other than B) in the absence of B, and in other embodiments, A is absent and at least one, Optionally refers to two or more B (optionally including elements other than A), and in other embodiments at least one, optionally two or more A, and at least one, optionally two or more Can refer to B (optionally including other elements).

  [00125] Further, unless otherwise stated, in any method including two or more steps or actions described herein, the order of the steps or actions of the methods is consistent with the steps or actions of the described methods. It should be understood that the order is not necessarily limited.

  [00126] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses are provided for convenience only and are not intended to limit the claim in any way.

[00127] In both the claims and the above specification, “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”, “involved”, “holding”, “consisting of” Any transitional phrase such as “done” should be understood to mean non-limiting, ie, including but not limited to. Only transitional phrases such as “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” are restricted or semi-restricted transitional phrases, as described in Section 2111.03 of the US Patent Office Patent Examination Procedure Manual.

Claims (15)

A method for associating a user interface element with at least one light source comprising:
Identifying the presence of a user interface element which covers one or more L ED of the plurality of LED,
Associating the user interface element with control of a controlled LED of the LEDs based on identifying the presence of the user interface element;
Identifying at least one illumination control characteristic of the user interface element based on sensing of at least one physical characteristic of the user interface element by at least one of the LEDs covered by the user interface element ;
Identifying user interaction with the user interface element;
Adjusting at least one characteristic of the controlled LED in response to the user interaction with the user interface element;
Wherein the adjustment of the control LED is based rather on the illumination control characteristics of the user interface element, the method.   The method of claim 1, wherein the step of identifying the user interaction with the user interface element comprises sensing the user interaction with the user interface element by at least one of the covered LEDs. .   The method of claim 1, wherein the step of identifying the user interaction with the user interface element comprises receiving user interaction data from the user interface element in response to the user interaction with the user interface element. A method for associating a user interface element with at least one light source comprising:
Identifying the presence of a user interface element that covers one or more of the plurality of LEDs;
Associating the user interface element with control of a controlled LED of the LEDs based on identifying the presence of the user interface element;
Identifying at least one lighting control characteristic of the user interface element;
Identifying user interaction with the user interface element;
Adjusting at least one characteristic of the controlled LED in response to the user interaction with the user interface element;
The adjustment of the controlled LED is based on the illumination control characteristics of the user interface element,
Wherein said step of a user interface element associated with a control of the control LED is based on the proximity to the controlled LED of the user interface element, Methods.   The method of claim 1, wherein the step of associating the user interface element with control of a controlled LED is based on associating the covered LED with the controlled LED.   The method of claim 1, wherein the step of associating the user interface element with control of a controlled LED is based on at least one physical characteristic of the user interface element, wherein the at least one physical characteristic is an RF tag. . A method for associating a user interface element with at least one light source comprising:
Identifying the presence of a user interface element that covers one or more of the plurality of LEDs;
Associating the user interface element with control of a controlled LED of the LEDs based on identifying the presence of the user interface element;
Identifying at least one lighting control characteristic of the user interface element;
Identifying user interaction with the user interface element;
Adjusting at least one characteristic of the controlled LED in response to the user interaction with the user interface element;
The adjustment of the controlled LED is based on the illumination control characteristics of the user interface element,
Associating the user interface element with control of the controlled LED;
Starting the configuration phase;
Providing a visual indication of the controlled LED during the configuration phase;
Wherein in response to the visual display of the control LED, wherein the user interface element in the configuration phase and a step of receiving the configuration acknowledgment indicating an association between the control of the control LED, Methods.   The method of claim 1, further comprising illuminating the user interface element with at least one LED of the covered LEDs. A method of adjusting at least one light source according to an attachable element, comprising:
Identifying the presence of attachable elements covering one or more L ED of the plurality of LED,
Associating the attachable element with a controlled LED of the LEDs based on identifying the presence of the attachable element;
Based on the sensing of at least one physical characteristic of at least one by the attachable elements of the LED covered with the attachable elements, identifying at least one lighting control characteristics of the attachable elements,
Adjusting at least one characteristic of the controlled LED based on the at least one illumination control characteristic of the attachable element.   The method of claim 9, wherein the physical feature includes at least one of a size and shape of the attachable element.   The method of claim 9, wherein the step of associating the attachable element with the controlled LED is based on proximity of the attachable element to the controlled LED.   The method of claim 9, wherein the step of associating the attachable element with control of the controlled LED is based on associating the covered LED with the controlled LED. The method further comprises identifying user interaction with the attachable element, wherein the step of adjusting at least one characteristic of the controlled LED is responsive to the user interaction with the attachable element. 9. The method according to 9. A lighting device comprising a memory and a controller capable of executing instructions stored in the memory, wherein the instructions are
Instructions for identifying the presence of a user interface element which covers one or more L ED of the plurality of LED,
Instructions for associating the user interface element with control of a controlled LED of the LEDs based on identifying the presence of the user interface element;
Instructions for determining at least one illumination control characteristic of the user interface element based on sensing of at least one physical characteristic of the user interface element by at least one of the LEDs covered by the user interface element ;
Instructions specifying user interaction with the user interface element;
Instructions for adjusting at least one characteristic of the controlled LED in response to the user interaction with the user interface element, wherein the adjustment of the controlled LED is based on the illumination control characteristic of the user interface element; instructions and including, the lighting device. At least one light source producing illumination having at least one adjustable illumination characteristic;
At least one sensing LED capable of sensing the presence of a user interface element;
An illumination system comprising: the light source and at least one controller in electrical communication with the sensing LED;
The at least one controller comprises:
Identifying the presence of the user interface element based on input from the at least one sensing LED;
Based on identifying the presence of the user interface element, associating the user interface element with control of the light source;
Identifying at least one illumination control characteristic of the user interface element based on sensing of at least one physical characteristic of the user interface element by at least one of the at least one sensing LED;
Identify user interaction with the user interface element;
A lighting system that adjusts at least one characteristic of the light source in response to the user interaction with the user interface element , wherein the adjustment of the light source is based on the lighting control characteristic of the user interface element.